Santa's Grotto highlights

1. The National Trust

A host of National Trust properties across the UK will be getting a visit from Santa for some very special storytelling sessions.

Ancient castles, Tudor houses and woodland hideaways will serve as his grottos where he'll set up shop to read kids some festive tales - and kids will get a chance to tell him what they want for Christmas of course.

2. Boringdon Hall Polar Express themed Santa's Grotto

On Sunday 17th December, this stunning Elizabethan Manor will be offering up some luxurious festivities. Arrive at the breathtaking grounds and enjoy a dazzling dance performance before going in to indulge with a Festive Afternoon tea (includes activities like gingerbread decorating!).

Then head off to meet Santa in his grotto - and anyone on his 'nice' list will be treated to a gift!

The best Christmas trails

National Trust Images Megan Taylor

1. Christmas at Kew

The Royal Botanical Kew Gardens are stunning by daylight - but this Christmas, come nighttime and they transform into an enchanted wonderland.

Until 1st January there's a spectacular trail of colourful lights, with impressive shows and creations on offer for a magical walk unlike any other. Think singing trees, gigantic flowers, oversized baubles, and even a flickering Fire Garden.

2.Birmingham Botanical Gardens Christmas Trail

Until the 1st January, Birmingham Botanical Gardens will be home to a spectacular jewel-coloured trail, highlighting its impressive Victorian history, with plenty of stories through its dazzling light installations.

Discover The Twelve Days of Christmas, a tunnel of lights, a mistletoe moment, a scented fire garden and even a Singing Tree!

4. Tunnel of Light Norwich

Last year Norwich's Tunnel of Light became a social media sensation as thousands flocked to the city centre to snap away inside the dazzling attraction.

This year, it's back until the 5th January, when it will close at 5pm. Expect over 50,000 pulsating LEDs with sequenced light shows that make for an unforgettable stop.

Not quite a Christmas trail, but definitely worth a visit if you're exploring Norwich.

Simon Finlay Photography

5. Step into the Fairy tale

You'll feel like you've stepped right into a storybook at this breathtaking historic house, which is hosting a fairytale galore!

Discover the best of iconic tales from the Brothers Grimm; spinning wheels whir, glass slippers are lost and gingerbread crumbs are left behind, in tributes to Rapunzel, Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel.

Alongside the sparkle will be Hinton's famous floral displays, while outdoors there will be a family trail featuring 25 fairy tale secrets hidden behind Advent Calendar boxes.

The 'Step into the fairy tale' trail will run until the 24th December. Tickets for entry to the house are £12 per adult, £6.60 per child, with an extra £2 per trail. Click here for full information .

3. Hogwarts in the Snow

Harry Potter fans should head to Warner Bros. Studio London, which has undergone a very festive makeover just in time for Christmas. Expect snow-covered Hogwarts, a giant feast in the Great Hall and, of course, all the Yuletide props and sets from the films. Take a sneak peek of what you can expect here .

4. Christmas in Leicester Square

If you're visiting the capital, make sure to stop off at the 'Christmas in Leicester Square', a pop-up including a Christmas Market, Santa's Grotto, and a Belgian Spiegeltent that's playing home to a host of comedy, cabaret and burlesque shows.

5. Christmas display at Windsor Castle

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the Castle, this year will see the State Apartments decked with glistening gold decorations, as well as a toweing 20-foot-high Christmas Tree, taken from Windsor Great Park.

There will also be a host of immersive evening performances of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', ideal for families wanting a bit of festive entertainment.

And if you head down on Saturday 9th/Sunday 10th December, you'll find a pop-up pantomime, storytelling, festive music, a floral display, decoration-making workshops and the ever popular Bach to Baby concerts for under-fives!

The Christmas display will run until 5th January. Adult tickets from £20.50, child tickets from £12. Children under 5 go free. Click here for more information .

6. Meet huskies and reindeer in Brighton

Animal lovers can meet Santa's reindeer and a pack of arctic huskies at Drusillas Park in Brighton. Then, wander through the park taking in the beautiful Winter Wonderland Illuminations, or visit the nearby Brighton Christmas market for extra festive cheer.

7. Legoland Brick Live Event

If your children are obsessed with all things LEGO, then BRICKLIVE might be their dream event.

Held in London's Saatchi Gallery, BRICKLIVE Christmas will offer four themed zones with plenty of interactive games and experiences, whether you're after Christmas offerings, wanting to play Minecraft, explore your creative side, or even if you're a Star Wars fan looking for a Galactic adventure.

The best of UK theme park Christmas events

1. Cadbury World

Head down to Cadbury's World and not only will you be treated to all of the excitement from their usual tours, but there will be plenty of Christmas-themed extras too!

For example, discover the brand-new pantomime of Aladdin, on every Saturday and Sunday, including daily performances between the 21st-23rd and 27th-30th December.

Elsewhere in the attraction, the sounds of sleigh-bells and reindeer hooves spell the arrival of the big man himself, who will be flying in to Cadbury World to continue the Christmas cheer. In fact, Santa's getting his own stage show - and there's a gift for every child in the audience! (Shows are on the 21st-23rd).

2. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is launching a Nicktoons Christmas Grotto and Ice Skating, where beloved characters inckuding Spongebob SquarePants will be on hand to join you in the festive fun.

Santa will also be paying the grotto a visit, and gifting good boys and girls a Blackpool Pleasure Beach Diamond Pass for the 2018 season and a special Nickelodeon gift.

Visits to the Grotto can be booked online in advance for just £13.99 at blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/grotto or you can pay £15.99 on arrival at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena.

3. Alton Towers

Alton Towers is transforming into a winter wonderland - and kids will have the chance to meet Father Christmas himself thanks to their Santa Sleepovers packages.

Think fairytale grottos, charismatic elves, a roaring fireplace and plenty of treats from hot chocolate for kids to mulled wine for grown-ups. Not to mention a host of feasts - including a morning breakfast prepared by Mrs Claus!

There's even a fun-packed pantomime of jack and the Beanstalk, as well as a traditional Christmas dinner and breakfast.

Santa Sleepovers will take place on 10th December, and then from the 15th-23rd December 2017. Book your place here.

Prices start from £270 based on a family of four sharing and include Christmas dinner, bed and Breakfast; Meet and greet with Father Christmas, 1 day access to the water park, pantomime and selected rides. Book on the Alton Towers website here .

4. Paulton's Park

Home of Peppa Pig World and the Lost Kingdom, Paulton's Park is offering up a host of exciting seasonal activities for Christmas.

Kids can Santa's Grotto and join a reindeer on his journey to find Santa in time for Christmas Eve and return with a gift - and parents can enjoy a complimentary hot punch and festive treat.

Included in the cost of a ticket is the chance to enjoy the delights of a daily, family festive show where visitors can meet Frosty, Rudolph and two cheeky elves, Billy and Belinda.

Christmas at Paultons will be taking place on selected days until Friday 23rd December. Tickets start from £28.75 and include entry to Santa's Grotto and Peppa Pig World, as well a gift for the children.